Summary:I talked to Nate several weeks ago and he is no longer in the area. The trail has been abandoned, but may be er-opened in the future.

Recommended Route:Trail is Closed

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Review DateOctober 29, 2000

Overall Rating 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:Ridden Once

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Reviewed by: Randy Lieberg
, from Grand Forks, ND

Summary:After a few false starts, we finally hooked up with the locals to try this elusive trail. After driving across the very gently rolling farmland, the ride starts at the farmstead and rolls out along the gravel farm road for a mile or so. Suddenly a huge "bowl" appears in the middle of nowhere in the fields. It contains thickly wooded hills, exposed grassy hills and cornfields. The trail snakes into the woods and immediately dumps straight down into a gully, then straight up the other side, then straight down, then along the edge of a cornfield, then straight up a hideously steep grassy hill. This proces repeats itself numerous times along the (currently) three mile trail length. The technical singletrack through the trees is very, very harsh, and WILL toss people over the bars with little warning or regard for one's ego. This part of the trail is so technical, in fact, that it borders on TOO technical for many riders. Lots of super-sharp turns which require a slow speed shoulder dip to navigate between trees and around saplings. The open, exposed trail tends to be quite short & steep, and is very fun to grunt up and then bomb down. Several sections of the trail loop through the trees along the edge of the fenceline, and provide beautiful views of the surrounding hollows and farmlands. Silos poke through the trees here and there, and the locals say wildlife abounds, including bears, deer, birds, small furbearers, and I'm sure some moose. We rode with wet leaves on the ground, which made the steep stuff pretty scary, especially going straight down headed for a large tree. Hunting season would definitely be a huge NO-NO for riding this area. Negatives are:Exclusivity - sometimes arranging a ride with the land steward could be a pain, but comes with the territory.Length - This is a fun, challenging, and twisty trail, but could get old due to it's short length. The locals are working on expanding the singletrack, possibly adding another mile or so through another section of woods.Technical aspect - although highly technical trails are fun and challenge everybody to get better, these are very steep. Care should be taken to make sure that these steep sections do not fall prey to erosion. Final Thoughts:Highly recommended to anyone traveling along MN Hwy.2 between Grand Forks, ND and the Bemidji area. Call ahead and give it a try! The local trail builder has done a wonderful job of using a very small land area to maximum advantage (also see reviews on the MN Trail Review page for the "Farm" in Chaska), and the trail here is looking to get even better. It's also nice to ride a closed loop the begins & ends at the same place.

Recommended Route:Call Nate at the number listed or drop him an e-mail

Other recommended trails in the same area:Paul Bunyan State Forest (see reviews)

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Review DateOctober 10, 2000

Overall Rating 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:Ridden Once

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Reviewed by: ZMAN
, from Vadnais Heights, MN

Summary:This trail is very fun. There are many short, steep climbs. Many short, steep drops. There are many technical area's, lots of logs, lots of tight turns, lots of "very steep" drops. Do not do this course if you lack technical skills, it will not be fun. If you pride yourself as a technical rider, this is awesome. I highly recommend that you do not do this place alone, there are many places to get hurt, and lost. This is also not a place to practice for a race, it is a place to have lots of fun! Your average speed will only be in the 6-8 mph range (9 on a GREAT day).This place is similar to Brownie Lake, only 5 times longer.Park at the SuperAmerica across the street.

Recommended Route:The main loop. This is a difficult place to find your way. I went with a group of 5 and we got lost many times. We finally hooked up with the locals and they showed us the 6 mile loop.

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Review DateMay 24, 2000

Overall Rating 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:Once a week

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Reviewed by: Ryan
, from Fosston, MN

Summary:Also known as the "BIFF & BARFF". Like Nate said, a very difficult course to ride "clean". I never have and probably never will, but a blast nonetheless.

Recommended Route:Nate 218-435-6803

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